Helpful Oral Care Tips for Diabetic Patients

If you are a diabetic, it is mandatory to take special care of your teeth and gums as you can easily develop an oral infection. Also, your condition often results in slower healing process. Hence, in order to avoid any complications and keep your mouth in a good shape, you need to work along with your dentist.

Other than that, it is your responsibility to manage your blood sugar levels within the acceptable range, or else you will have to face oral health problems. The possible issues are discussed here,

Cavities

Naturally, our mouth contains lots of bacteria. When the sugar and starches present in the food and beverages react with the teeth, a kind of sticky film (plaque) develops on them. The acid present in the plaque affects the tooth’s surface, resulting in cavities. And higher blood sugar level can worsen the situation.

Gingivitis

Diabetes can decrease your potential to fight against bacteria. Thus, you should try harder to remove the plaque by means of flossing and brushing. Or else, your gumline would be affected and it gets hardened, forming into a substance known as tartar. Then, the gums swell and bleed over time. This condition is termed as Gingivitis.

Periodontitis

If you continue to ignore Gingivitis, you could develop an even more serious condition, known as Periodontitis. This can cause your gum and jawbone to pry away so that your teeth could fall out eventually. Additionally, Periodontitis can also increase the blood sugar level, making your diabetes harder to manage.

Dental care instructions:

– Become more committed in managing your diabetes. Follow the instructions of your dentist carefully to prevent complications like gingivitis and tooth decay etc.

– Brush twice daily and that too with a soft-bristled brush and using toothpastes that have fluoride. In Blacktown, dentists suggest replacing your brush once in every three months.

– Try to floss your teeth every day.

– Watch out for any early symptoms of gum disease. This includes redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums.

– Contact your dentist if you are suffering from dry mouth, oral pain or loose teeth.

– It is best to quit smoking if you have to reduce the risk of advanced diabetic complications.

Also, visit your dentist in Blacktown regularly for check-ups. You need to let him/her know about your diabetic condition so that you would be treated accordingly.

The author is a diabetologist and has written various articles about blood sugar pikes, prediabetes, diabetic exercises and oral health problems. To know more about this dentist in Blacktown, visit https://www.westpointdental.com.au